SCUBA Observations of the Host Galaxies of Gamma-Ray Bursts

In recent years, a population of galaxies with huge infrared luminosities and dust masses has been discovered in the submillimetre. Observations suggest that the AGN contribution to the luminosities of these submillimetre-selected galaxies is low; instead their luminosities are thought to be mainly due to strong episodes of star formation following merger events. Our current understanding of GRBs as the endpoints in the life of massive stars suggest that they will be located in such galaxies.We have observed a sample of well-located GRB host galaxies in the submillimetre. Comparing the results with the general submillimetre-selected galaxy population, we find that at low fluxes (S850 ≤ 4 mJy), the two agree well. However, there is a lack of bright GRB hosts in the submillimetre. This finding is reinforced when the results of other groups are included. Possible explanations are discussed. These results help us assess the roles of both GRB host galaxies and submillimetre-selected galaxies in the evolution of the Universe

Early carboniferous brachiopod faunas from the Baoshan block, west Yunnan, southwest China

38 brachiopod species in 27 genera and subgenera are described from the Yudong Formation in the Shidian-Baoshan area, west Yunnan, southwest China. New taxa include two new subgenera: Unispirifer (Septimispirifer) and Brachythyrina (Longathyrina), and seven new species: Eomarginifera yunnanensis, Marginatia cylindrica, Unispirifer (Unispirifer) xiangshanensis, Unispirifer (Septimispirifer) wafangjieensis, Brachythyrina (Brachythyrina) transversa, Brachythyrina (Longathyrina) baoshanensis, and Girtyella wafangjieensis. Based on the described material and constraints from associated coral and conodont faunas, the age of the brachiopod fauna from the Yudon Formation is considered late Tournaisian (Early Carboniferous), with a possibility extending into earlyViseacutean.<br /